Senator JD Vance was campaigning in Kansas for Senator Roger Marshall when he was interrupted by a heckler. The individual shouted, “He sues his patients!” referring to Marshall’s past medical practice.
According to The New York Times, Marshall, an obstetrician-gynecologist prior to his political career, sued over 700 patients for outstanding medical bills, resulting in 81 individuals facing arrest for missed court dates related to their debt. Marshall has stated he employed “common business practices” in these cases, as reported by The Kansas City Star.
Vance responded to the heckler by accusing them of lying. As security removed the protester, Vance remarked, "The last time I gave a speech and we had a guy who was interrupting, he had the common courtesy to bring a Mexican flag so we knew where he stood." The heckler’s interruption, however, focused on Marshall’s history with patient debt lawsuits.
Despite the protester's specific accusation, Vance defended Marshall, stating, "Doc Marshall has stood up for everyday Americans every single day he’s been in the United States Senate," even though both Marshall and his office confirmed the lawsuits. The event took place on September 14, 2026, in Olathe, Kansas.
Kansas is a traditionally Republican state, but recent polling indicates that Marshall is in a tightening race against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton. The Cook Political Report has adjusted its rating for the Kansas Senate seat from "solid R" to "likely R."